Middle School Musical: ONLINE and ready to watch!

Check out the Middle School Musical on Youtube or on this blog... There are 8 parts!

Don't remember what it is? Then watch this trailer!

Middle School Musical: "Breaking Free Music Video" (Part 8/8)

Middle School Musical: "Friday" (Part 7/8)

Friday:

Middle School Musical: "Thursday" (Part 5-6/8)

Thursday Part 1:


Thursday Part 2:

Middle School Musical: "Wednesday" (Part 3-4/8)

Wednesday Part 1:


Wednesday Part 2:

Middle School Musical: "Tuesday" (Part 2/8)

Middle School Musical: "MONDAY" (Part 1/8)

(PS... this video is the old one and I will replace it.... just ignore when it says 1 of 6...)

Nexus Roots Series: Worship...

Life is not all about us. God has existed forever and we were created for his pleasure and glory. Because he loves us he has rescued us from our rebellion time and time again... but when we really understand who he is, it leads us to return to worshipping him again. Worship is many things... it is a celebration of who God is... it is a giving back to God of what he gave to us... it is a surrendering of self to God... Mostly it is the rhythm that we engage in that reminds us who God is, and who we are. This regular reminder helps us to continue to live in right relationship with God.
How is your rhythm of worship?

4 things about worship that are significant.
1. Worship is a reorientation:
When I truly focus on God and singing or living for him in a sacrificial way, it reorients my life to what is truly important... If I skip worshiping for long enough, I will drift from really believing and following God.

2. Worship is a response to what God has been doing in our lives
If I am paying attention, God is at work all around me, in me, and through me. When I see what he has done for me, is doing in me and through me, my natural response will be to respond by worshiping him!

3. Worship is because of the worthiness of God...
I used to struggle because when I tried to worship God I just didnt feel good enough... I was too sinful. Here is the simple truth... I do not worship because I am worthy... but because God is worthy...

4. That which costs me nothing is worth only what it cost.
When you think about giving a good gift... it has to cost something. For example, if I give my wife Emily a pen that I got for free at a conference, it is a pretty worthless gift... she probably won't even want it. But, if I spend months thinking and dreaming of the perfect date... and then take her on it.. even if it is a free walk on the beach, she will love it because I clearly put thought and effort into it. God appreciates our genuine love motivated efforts for him as well...

What do you think about Worship?

five3challenge: John 21

"Jesus liked a good fish fry."

During the trial of Jesus, Peter denied knowing him three times. After Jesus was crucified, Peter, and all of the disciples were at a loss. They had traded the lives for a life of following Jesus... and now that he was dead, they didn't know what to do.

Obviously, when Jesus was resurrected, they were all so happy... but for Peter, it wasn't all happiness. Now he would have to face the one that he denied even knowing... the one that he failed so miserably...

John 21 gives us a little window into how Peter dealt with this...

If you remember Jesus had come to Peter and the rest of the disciples and told them to "Follow me" These words were most likely and invitation to become disciples of Jesus, who was a Rabbi. In today's language a disciple would be sort of like and apprentice or intern... except a lot more dedicated in that they would come and live with the person who was teaching them...

Their Rabbi, or teacher, was their new life...

For Peter to say, "I'm going out to fish," most likely meant that he was going back to his career as a fisherman that he had before he left it to follow Jesus.

It is interested that Jesus does not leave him there... he finds Peter and renews his calling on his life.


Jesus chose Peter, even though he failed... He loves and works with imperfect people...

Imperfect people like us...

Mosaic News Update: 12.11.2007 (Christmas Edition!)

Thanks to Kings Kids (with a little musical help from Sufjan Stevens) for putting together and outstanding Video that explores the real story of what happened on the first Christmas!




Also don't forget about SnoRodeo:
Check it OUT!

five3challenge: John 20

After Jesus was tried, he was crucified. On the Cross he took upon himself all of the guilt of humanity. Jesus became our sin so that we might be restored to a right relationship with God.

But then, Jesus rose from the dead three days later.

The first time he appeared to his disciples, Thomas was not present. He told the others that he would never believe unless he touched Jesus himself... and low and behold... a little while later Jesus showed up again, and thomas got his desire.

In John 20:29 we see Jesus response to this.

Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me."

I think Jesus was talking about us. If it was hard for Thomas to believe, how much harder for those of us who live so long after Jesus... and yet... hard as it may be... i think that God pours out special blessings on us so that we can find him and find belief!

Having doubts? Ask God to help you to find him!

five3challenge: John 19

"The Trial of the century!"

After Jesus was arrested, he was tried first by the Jewish authorities, but since they were under Roman rule, they had no real authority.
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all talk about the encounter between Jesus and the Roman Governor named Pilate.

In John 18, this account begins when Pilate called for Jesus to be brought to him.

"Are you the king of the Jews?" he asked him.

Jesus replied, "Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?"

"Am I a Jew?" Pilate retorted. "Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?"

Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world."

After this happened, Pilate actually attempted to let Jesus go... This is really strange because if Jesus truly were a king, he would have been viewed as an insurgent and should have been killed to keep him from stirring up a rebellion. Why did the Roman government not care that Jesus claimed to be a king?

The answer is the statement that Jesus made. His kingdom was not of this world. Jesus did not come to gain political or military power, if he had, then he easily could have raised an army and defeated even rome... After all what good are chariots against the one who created the universe?

But that was not Jesus intent. Rather than political power or might, he was going to save the universe simply by an act of utter humility.

It is interesting to think about what this means to us living today about power.

Jesus in weakness, was stronger than Pilate's political strength.

When we are weak, but depend on Jesus, then we are actually strong...

Cool video on the changing world we live in!

What do you think about it?

five3challenge: John 18

"Jesus was sold out for some silver"

Judas, one of the disciples who betrayed Jesus for a little money, led the soldiers to arrest Jesus. He knew exactly where Jesus was, because normally he would have been with him...

Judas had witnessed all the same miracles, healings, teachings, and awesome acts of compassion as the rest of the disciples, but his heart had not warmed toward Jesus... all he saw was the money...

Before we are too hard on him, I think we need to ask ourselves a hard questions. Judas betrayed Jesus for silver... what is my price?

What are the things that I am so swayed by, that I would "sell out" and deny Jesus, betray Jesus or Abandon Jesus for.

~For some it is popularity and acceptance... they will do anything to fit in, including abandoning the person they know Jesus wants them to be, or even pretending like they are not followers of him so people will not make fun of them.

~For others it is success and money... they will do anything to get ahead in school or life... even ignoring God to get better grades or work longer hours...

~For others it is pleasure... they will do anything for the next rush... be it sexual, drug related, alcohol and partying... it doesnt matter as long as it brings a moment of fun...

~For some it is relationships... they will do anything to have a boyfriend or girlfriend... even if it means being with someone who pushes their morals or doesn't care about God...

~Still others have other reasons...


How about you... where are you the most tempted to sell out and walk away from loving Jesus, even though you have already learned so much about him?

five3challenge John 17

"Jesus need to spend time with his father"

So today we are going to take a look at John 17, but really only to set it up so it makes sense. The entire chapter is a prayer that Jesus prayed to his father right before he was betrayed, arrested, and ultimately crucified.

If we take a peek in the other three Gospels, the story becomes a little more complete.

Matthew 26 JESUS PRAYS IN GETHSEMANE
36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, "Sit here while I go over there to pray."37 He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed.38 He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."
40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Couldn't you watch with me even one hour?41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!"
42 Then Jesus left them a second time and prayed, "My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away* unless I drink it, your will be done."43 When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn't keep their eyes open.
44 So he went to pray a third time, saying the same things again.45 Then he came to the disciples and said, "Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.46 Up, let's be going. Look, my betrayer is here!"

So it seems like John placed the prayer in John 17 around this time in the Garden. I think it makes sense that Jesus spent the night praying with his disciple and alone considering that he knew what was coming next.

Special Friday Edition: Clump Cookies.

24ounces almond bark
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
4 cups Cheerios
2 cups miniature marshmallows
2 cups dry roasted peanuts


melt the almond bark ...
microwave or on the stove top
add the rest of the ingredients
stir
drop on a cookie sheet
let harden



Special thanks to Vicky, Gracie and Kara for toughing it out in the kitchen in order create a cookie in honor of the Mosaic CLUMP initiative. Well done and delicious.

PS... these are so good!

Can't remember what CLUMPS are? Click here

Awesome Quote from Katie

On Tuesday Katie, as former Mosaic student who is now in High School, shared a little presentation on service at Nexus. On of the best parts of it was this quote from Martin Luther.

Mosaic Stuff... Here are some reminders for you... plus this weeks bookmark.

five3challenge: John 16

"Jesus was pretty demanding"

At the end of Chapter 15 Jesus is finishing up with a teaching about why the world hates him and his father. He points out that if his followers truly live and love like Jesus that they too will be hated. The reason is simple, people do not want to accept God's role as the ruler of the universe. They want to live their own way... and if God is God and Jesus is God... then as God they are the true rulers of the universe and the rest of us should submit. So with this in mind, Jesus warns his disciples:

15:26 "But I will send you the Advocate*—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.27 And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry. 16:1 "I have told you these things so that you won't abandon your faith. 2 For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. 3 This is because they have never known the Father or me. 4 Yes, I'm telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn't tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer.

Jesus first promises his followers that they will never be alone... that the Advocate... who is the Holy Spirit will always be with them. Then he tells them that they must testify to who Jesus is... and help others to understand.

That is when it gets tricky... He tells them that, "I have told you these things so that you won't abandon your faith." Why would they you ask?

Well... remember that in only a few hours Jesus is taken from them and crucified... Plus... Jesus warns them that if they truly follow him that they too will be hated by the world... and people will try to kill them.

Isn't amazing that these first followers of Jesus kept right on telling others about God becoming Man in Jesus and saving the whole world from their sin...

Often their testimony cost them their life...

What has your faith cost you?

Nexus:Message recap 12_4_2007

Life is not all about us.

We were designed for more than simply happiness. We need purpose.
In Eden many cooperated with God to care for the plants and animals. Man's role was intended to be a co-laborer with God... but the fall changed so many things. The land and animals grew harder to manage, and our relationship with each other and God was deeply distorted.
When we are reconnected with Jesus through his grace, our purpose as a co-laborer is restored.

Once again we can work alongside him to make the world a better place... one that more closely resembles the way God wants it to be. Nothing in all of life is more satisfying that working together with God and the rest of his faithful workers! Each person was uniquely created by God to do their part alongside him, and we are not truly happy until we are reconnected with God... and restored to our proper role...

So what should I do to start serving?

1. Look around... where are the dirty jobs that need to be done?

2. Ask people you trust to help you find a spot to make a difference

3. Sign up for the new Mosaic Student Ministry Team... Coming in Jan. (Interested? Apply Here:)

Here are some good questions that can help you to think through the idea of service in you life:

1. How can Jesus be humble if he was God? How does he show his humility? What if he had lived for himself, how would the world be different?

2. How are you serving God? What do you think you could do with him to make his love more evident?

3. How are you doing at actively sharing the love of Jesus through your life? When is this hard... when is it easy?

4. How would it impact our schools and community if every middle school student who was part of our ministry really started living and loving like Jesus all the time. What would change in our lives? What would be different about he community?

5. How do you think you could begin to grow a rhythm of service in your life?

Serving makes you healthier!

five3challenge: John 15

"Jesus was one connected guy"

If you think of an internet connection, you will get a good picture of what it means to be connected to God. You computer can do a lot on its own, but if it is disconnected from the internet none of the things it does can really be shared with others... You cannot IM, facebook, myspace, youtube, email, surf, download iTunes, movies, or get you fix of news updates unless you are connected...

in the same way, it is impossible to really achieve the spiritually vibrant life God wants us to have without a connection to him that is "plugged in."

A few years ago I had a dial up connection to the internet that was really slow and only worked when I dialed a number and logged in. Then I got a cable connection that is always on and now I would never go back... it is fast and always available.

How about your connection to God? is it "dial-up" or "Broadband?"

five3challenge John 14... a few more thoughts...

Hey... there were a few verses in John 14 that I did not touch on, but still wanted to.

In 14:12 Jesus says

"I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.

This is pretty cool to me... it means that the greatest works of God on earth are still to come. Obviously Jesus death on the cross in unrepeatable, but when we are faithful and follow him, there are still great works left to be accomplished by faith... Great works like the ones God can do through you when you are seeking to be faithful to him....


In 14:15 Jesus says

"If you love me, obey my commandments."

This seems easy enough to understand. God is loving and forgiving... but if I really love him then I will want to show him by living the life he demonstrated for us... the best kind of life that seeks to obey him in all things... If I have no desire to obey... it could be that my love has grown cold.

Finally in 14:16 Jesus talks about the Holy Spirit saying,

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate,* who will never leave you.17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth."

This is so cool because it means we are never alone... God's spirit is always with us... PLUS... it is his spirit that leads us into the great truths about God... Try this... the next time a verse is confusing to you, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to understanding.!

five3challenge John 14...

Jesus is the truth...

Jesus is the way...

Jesus is the life...

First off, you need to take note of John 13:37-38.

37 "But why can't I come now, Lord?" he asked. "I'm ready to die for you."
38 Jesus answered, "Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.

Did you catch that? John is making it clear that Chapter 13 is the beginning of the night that Jesus is arrested and ultimately crucified. Even though chapter 14-17 don't say much about this, this whole section is his final discourse to his most trusted disciples. 13 -18 all take place in the period of 24 hours or less.

That said, lets look at chapter 14. Verse 14:6 is one of the most famous in the Bible:

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

This passage makes it clear how important Jesus is. he is the Way... to reconnection with God. He is the truth... that sets you free. He is the Life... that comes from God and never stops... eternal life.

What happens next explains how Jesus can be all these things...

John 14:7 If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is.* From now on, you do know him and have seen him!" 8 Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." 9 Jesus replied, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don't know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?

Jesus is so much more than simply a child descendent from God... He is GOD.

God is three persons in one being. God the Father... God the son... and God the Holy Spirit...

Jesus is the way to God... because he is God...

five3challenge: John 13

"Jesus does a mean pedicure!"

Often at meals when someone entertaining guests, their servants would wash the feet of those in attendance. As you can imagine, it was not a highly sought after responsibility. Most likely the servant who was the lowest in rank would have to perform the task.

Now Jesus flips the whole thing on its head. Rather than it being a servant who did it... the Master did it, and set an important example while he did.

What is most interesting about this is the words that set the situation up.

1 ... Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. 2 It was time for supper ... Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.

Jesus realizes that all authority has been given to him... SO he gets up and washes the disciples feet.

I know that in my life, I always wanted to be in charge because I thought that was the way to get what I wanted. When Jesus realized that he was fully in charge, he took it on himself to do the lowest available task... to serve in the most dirty and unappreciated way...

Then he said we should do the same...

How are you doing at being a servant? Have you been able to use your position in life and status to serve others.... If you are an 8th grader, or the oldest sibling, or even just a little above someone else you have an opportunity to live and love like Jesus by voluntarily choosing to serve... even when no one is going to make you.

five3challenge: bookmark for week 4

five3challenge: John 12 (Part 2)

"Jesus was an awesome performer"

John 12:37 says,

Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.

Why?

Why after such clear evidence did so many people still reject Jesus. What after "seeing for themselves" did people who witnessed the miracles first hand still not turn to follow Jesus?

There are many reasons I am sure, but one basic one is at least true.

They did not want to.

You know, this is true still today. Some people raise all kinds of objections to faith, God, the bible, Jesus, etc... but really these are just a smoke screen for their own desire to not believe.

Why would someone not want to believe in Jesus?

That is simple... if you believe in Jesus... then you have to live like you mean it... You have to let him be the God of you life and you have to serve him...

Thoughts?

five3challenge: John 12

Jesus smelled really good...sometimes...

Not long after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, Jesus is having dinner at his house. At the dinner Mary, Lazarus sister, took some very expensive perfume and poured on Jesus feet. Then with her own hair she wiped his feet.

As many have pointed out... this perfume was most likely intended for Mary's wedding, but following Jesus raising of Lazarus... life would never be the same for Mary

Even if she married, she would never get over knowing that she had met the One who had power of Death.

She had experienced such wonderful things in Jesus... that all the treasures of life were now secondary... even human love.

She was ruined for Jesus...

But Jesus was so fragrant that the whole house was filled with the smell...


Have you been ruined for Jesus yet? What crazy things have you been moved to do simply because you love him so much?

five3challenge: John 11:37-57

Jesus was the LIFE of the party!


When Jesus showed up to late to save Lazarus, many people murmered about him, saying things life,

"Could not the one who opened blind men's eyes, save this man?"

Even Lazarus' sisters were disappointed that Jesus had not done more...

But Jesus was not swayed by the opinions of others... he knew what would bring the most glory to his father, and it was not healing this time. It was Resurrection.

Jesus told Mary (11:25-26),

"I am the resurrection and the life.
Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

So at Jesus command, the people present removed the stone that covered the grave of Lazarus, and when Jesus prayed to his father, Lazarus rose. He had been dead for three days.

Why let him die and then resurrect him?

"Father... I have said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me."

Jesus was trying to help his followers to understand who he was and to trust him no matter what. After all... if he could raise the dead, what could possibly not be possible for him.

How much do you trust him? Has it occurred to you what he is capable of?

Roots Series: Connection (prayer)

We were made for connection with God.

Once, in the garden of Eden, this connection was face to face as the first humans walked with God...

after the humans disobeyed God their connection with him was broken. This connection could only be re-established by the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross.

Now the connection is available to everyone who follows Jesus. Still many choose to segment their faith to only certain areas of their life.


This means that God is more than a Genie, and prayer is more than simple "wishes."

Prayer is communicating with God.


We were designed for constant connection with God, but often we forget about him for long stretches of our day, week, or life.

If we really want to know him and follow him, then we must learn to establish a constant connection with him.

Whats the the bottom line?

Prayer is about connection with God... it is mysterious... through it we enter into relationship with the invisible world that surrounds us all the time...

Some questions to consider about this topic:
1. . How connected do you feel with God?

2. What are your current habits regarding God's prayer? What keeps you from talking with God, and developing that connection? What has worked for you?

3. What would help you to stay connected with God all the time? Is there a prayer equivalent to text messaging or IM?


4. How do you think you could begin to grow a rhythm of prayer in your life?

5. If you really believed that whatever you prayed for would come true in 30 seconds... what would you pray for first? Second?

Sno Rodeo: Ordinary Hero Teaser!

Check it OUT!

five3challenge: John 11

"Jesus sometimes got a little weepy."

In John 10:22-40 Jesus was almost stoned for claiming to be one with the father, or in other words... Jesus claimed to BE GOD HIMSELF...

After the crowd tried to stone him, Jesus retreated out of the region around jerusalem and went back to the Jordon where John used to baptize before he was imprisoned and executed.

Not long after Jesus arrived, word comes in John 11 that his good friend Lazarus is really sick and will most likely die. The problem is that Lazarus lives back near Jerusalem where the mob just tried to stone Jesus.

This point does not escape Thomas and the disciples. In 11:16 Thomas says, "great, lets return with Jesus so that we also may day" This could be taken many ways, but I think it might be sarcastic, and that Thomas is pointing out how foolish such a return would really be.

Regardless, they do return, but not until Lazarus has already died...

When Jesus finds out, he weeps.

What do you think we learn about Jesus... and God... that he sometimes cries? Why do you think he cried in John 11?

five3challenge John 10

"Jesus is awesome with Sheep"

John 10 is all about how Jesus is the good shepherd. To understand what this means , you sorta have to understand shepherding... which not a lot of people do...

So... back in the Day... like way back BC style... people made there living as shepherds... they would watch over other peoples flocks and make sure that they did not wander away...

In this passage, Jesus is basically saying that we are sorta like his sheep. We are his flock if you will.

Here is what is the most cool. Jesus sheep follow his voice. The recognize it when they here it and they do what it says.... because they remember that their good shepherd has led them to the best grass to eat and water to drink... that he has protected them from lions and bears... that he has taken care of them when they were sick... Jesus loved his sheep and so they loved him... and followed his voice...

Whose voice are you following?

five3challenge: John 9

"Do you believe in the Son of Man?"

This is the question that Jesus asked the previously blind man that he healed in John 9.

This phrase, son of man, comes from the old testament and often refers to the expected Messiah, or savior of Israel.

The blind man was confused and responded, "who is he?"

When Jesus revealed that it was He himself who was the Son of Man.... the previously blind man, worshipped him and told him that he "believed!"

When the Blind man realized who Jesus was, worship and faith were his immediate response.

Worship is more than singing songs... it is a recognition of the superior nature of Jesus to us. Worship is admitting that God is God... and we are just humans... we owe him our devotion and affection. Often worship would involve falling on your face or covering your eyes.

When is the last time your truly worshipped God with all that you are?
..

Happy Turkey Day!!!

Hey everyone, Happy turkey day! I hope you eat lots of fat turkey and stuffing and have a good time with your family.

Just thought I would share with you my personal connection with turkeys.

I grew up in Tremont, a small town in Illinois. Tremont had an annual festival called the turkey Festival where we set world records for how many turkey sandwiches people ate.

Now, because turkeys we so big in tremont, our school made out maskot a turkey.... We were the Tremont Turks.

You can imagine how much teams loved to play us...

"Roast the Turks"

"Gobble up the turks"


And it only got worse.

So... go ahead and eat your bird but just don't make fun of the Tremont Turks!

five3challenge: John 8:31 - 59

"Jesus just is..."

This is one of my favorite sections in John.

Let me point out just a few of really cool things he says:

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

This passage is pretty straight forward. It is those who really try to do what Jesus tells us to that are his students, or disciples. When we follow his teaching, we live the best kind of life and experience a freedom that many never do. What kind of freedom?

Truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

Often people think that Jesus is trying to keep them from all the fun things in life... but the truth is that all those "fun" sinful things that go against his word are traps. They promise fun, and sometimes they even deliver, but as soon as you start, the also come with chains. The chains are the consequences which may not come immediately but will come eventually. And many of these behaviors also can be addictive... enslaving us to our desires!

truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!"

THis statement is given when Jesus is trying explain to some skeptics who he is... He has always existed... he just is...

five3challenge: John 7:53 -8:11

The Bible is a complicated book.

The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic. The New testament was written in Greek. The whole bible was translated into Latin at some point.

The Bible is also a collection of shorter stories. Each story has its own history and ended up in the Bible in different ways. I think that history has proven the 66 books that we currently have to be the most reliable.

That said, from time to time there would be minor differences in two different scrolls containing the same book.

John 7:53 - 8:11 is one of the biggest and most famous examples of this. It simple is not in many of the ancient copies of John.

What does this mean? Well, it is interesting that almost all modern versions of the Bible set the passage apart somehow. The NIV uses lines to mark it off from the rest of the text.

I think that many people feel that this account of the adulterous woman is a true account. Even though many scholars believe it is true, many feel like maybe it was added to John later than some of the other material.

Really we cannot be sure, which is why it is left in the Bible even though we are uncertain about its origin.

What is really neat about the Holy Spirit is that he is the one who guides us to all truth. And he has used this passage and many others in the Bible to speak to people throughout history.

When we read the Word and let it really fill our hearts and minds, it changes us.

What questions do you have about the Bible?

five3challenge: John 8:1-30

"Jesus was really shiny!"

Jesus being the Light of the World is a important theme in the Book of John.

It first shows up in John 1

4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it.

In John 8:12 he says this,

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Jesus illuminates the right path for all to see, but only those who believe in him actually see it. When we follow him, he lights up our way so that we can live the best kind of life. He also gives us wisdom when our lives are confusing, and brings us light and hope in the darkest moments of life.

His light also shines in the dark places of our life and points our where we still have sin and doubt. When the light hits our shameful areas, we have the opportunity to embrace it, and confess our sins, or to turn away from the light and try to hide our sins.

But... whoever follows Jesus must walk in the light... even when the light reveals how sinful we are, God's grace is enough to help us to change and come back to the right path.

five3challenge: John 7:25 - 52

"Jesus is a rocking energy drink!"

One day while attending a festival Jesus makes a surprising statement...

"On the last and greatest day of the Festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."

This passage has always intrigued me. The living water is talking about the Holy Spirit. This means that Jesus is better than Monster Energy drinks. Energy drinks give you lots of energy, but eventually they run out... But Jesus is better because once you drink of him, the energy never stops flowing.

How to comment on the posts...

Some people have been having trouble figuring out how to comment on the blog... so I wanted to make a little tutorial.









Step one: Click the on the word "comments"










Step two: Select the option "Other"

~Then type either your first name... or a nickname (PS you can ignore the web page line)














Step Three: ~Write your comment in the box
















Step Four: Push "Publish Post" and watch the magic happen

five3challenge: John 7:1-24

People wanted to kill Jesus.

Seriously... he had a way of pushing people to the edge...

Often he had to be cautious about where he traveled because there were so many people trying to kill him. Even Jesus own family were often frustrated with Jesus and sometimes even tried to tell him what to do.

Imagine that...
Jesus had brothers... who thought they could push him around too...
All of these people had their expectations of what the world should look like... of what Jesus should act like... or what church services should be like....

And into all of this infuriatingly unmet expectation... Jesus exhorted everyone saying, "

"Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly."

Feast chart
Tabernacle info

five3challenge: week 2 & 3

Hey because we do not have nexus on the 20th due to turkey day, this weeks book mark has reading for two weeks. Check it out.

New Pics of Service Project last weekend.

Check out the new photo's

five3challenge: John 6 (part 2)

Jesus even disappointed his closest friends.

After the crowds desert him in John 6, Jesus turns to his disciples and asks them some hard questions.

They respond,

"This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?"

So then Jesus asks the Twelve,

"You do not want to leave too, do you?" ... Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

There is some disappointment in Peter's reply. He could have said, "no way you are the best, we love you"... but instead he sorta says, "hey... we really don't have a choice... we are sorta stuck with you"

And so are we. Jesus is the incredible creator God of the universe, but he does not bend his identity and plan to us. Sometimes things we really want are not part of his plan. Sometimes he is not "exciting" to us. (this is more a reflection of us than it is of him... we desire and love things like iPod's but not the God who died for us... sorta wierd)

But he is the amazing Son of God who has the words of life.

We have no where else to go.